Further, Egypt concluded eight bilateral trade agreements, six with Arab countries, one with the EU, and a recent one with Turkey. Moreover, Egypt negotiated a preferential trade agreement with the United States of America. These trade agreements guarantee the preferential treatment of Egyptian products in various markets and have a positive affect on the textile and clothing industry. These numerous trade agreements also protected the Egyptian textile and clothing sector from Asian competitors.

Key lessons to be drawn from the experience of the Egyptian strategies and policies:

Preparation of a comprehensive development strategy

Promotion of a conducive business environment in order to attract domestic and foreign investors

Value chain development through skilled labour force, infrastructure improvement and quality control systems

Export promotion and integration into global markets to stay competitive in the global value chain

Higher share of value added products

Tax incentives

Modernization and industrial upgrading of the local cotton value chain

Global and regional integration, the key driver for value chain development